Geology 101A: Physical Geology
Spring 2015
GENERAL INFO:
Course Item Number: 5421 Credit Hours: 5
Lecture: Room 15-201 MW 6:00 pm-9:00 pm
Lab: Room 15-223L MW 6:00 pm-9:00 pm
Required Reading:
1) Essentials of Geology, Marshak, 2012, 4rd Edition, W. W. Norton (You MAY use 3nd edition)
2) FALL 2014 Geology 101C Course Materials
This booklet, available in the TCC bookstore (if not now, SOON), has all of the lab
materials you will need for the course, plus other information.
Instructor: Mike Valentine
Office: Building 15-303 (this classroom)
Office Hours: MW 5:30-6:00 pm & 9:00-9:30 pm, or by appointment
Office Phone: 879-3129 (my UPS office)
E-Mail: mvalentine@pugetsound.edu The best way to contact me most of the time. I don’t check my TCC email as often.
NOTE: Details in this syllabus are subject to change/error. I will notify you in class about changes or corrections.
THE COURSE:
Geology is a very broad science encompassing earth (and planetary) processes. I hope this introductory course will open a
whole new universe to you in which you will learn about the amazing geological features on the earth and the rich geologic
history of this planet. We will touch on subjects such as rocks and minerals, mountain building, volcanoes, ocean basin
formation, rivers, and Washington regional geology.
CATALOG DESCRIPTION This course will…
Introduce students to the materials and landscapes of the earth and the diverse geological processes that produce and change
them. Subjects such as volcanoes, glaciers, rivers, and earthquakes will be studied. The laboratory consists of various
activities, including examination of rocks and minerals. Includes local field trips.
COURSE OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES
The objective of this course is to learn about the fundamental geologic principles and processes that allow us to interpret
earth processes and history, as outlined below. Student objectives are listed below and these subjects form a basic outline of
the topics we will cover in this course. These are the specific outcomes for Geology 101. PLO represents Program Learning
Outcomes for the Science disciplines, which may be found in the TCC catalog at this location:
http://www.tacomacc.edu/catalog/11-12catalog/. Students should be able to:
1. Describe the characteristics and origin of the major classes of rocks and minerals. Classify rock and mineral samples.
Identify rock samples in the field. PLO: 2, 3,
2. Describe the diversity of volcanic activity on earth. Explain the variation in volcanic mountain shapes and eruptive styles.
Describe volcanic hazards and assess the regional risks due to volcanic activity. PLO: 2,
3. Describe seismic energy and its relationship to faults. Describe the geologic consequences of earthquakes and explain our
ability to forecast and otherwise cope with these occurrences. PLO: 2,
4. Use experimental models to better understand earthquake mechanics. PLO: 2,
5. Describe the structure of the earth and explain how seismic evidence supports these ideas. PLO: 2,
6. Explain how the interior structure of the earth relates to the process of plate tectonics. PLO: 2,
7. Describe the three main types of plate boundaries and the main geologic activity occurring at each. PLO: 2,
8. Explain how stresses in the earth deform crustal rocks. Use experimental models to visualize strain. PLO: 1, 2,
9. Explain seismic hazards in the Pacific Northwest and consider how this risk can be mitigated. PLO: 2,
10. Describe relative and absolute methods for measuring geologic time and demonstrate proficiency in using the geologic
timescale. PLO: 2,
11. Describe the fundamental concepts governing stream systems such as capacity, competence, and channel structures.
Explain how fluvial systems alter the landscapes of the earth. Critique land use practices as they relate to flood plains.
PLO: 2,
12. Describe hydrogeologic concepts such as, infiltration, aquifers, aquicludes, and the potentiometric surface. Explain the
importance of groundwater as a resource. Recognize typical misuses of groundwater systems. PLO: 2,
13. Describe the concepts controlling glacial growth and flow. Explain the origin of glacial landscapes and the features in
them. Use observations collected in the field to understand the glacial origins of our local landscapes. PLO: 2,
GRADING:
Grading will be based on the criteria below. The course grade will be determined by adding the percentages from
each of the categories below. A simple, straight percentage scale will then be used to assign course grade: 100%92.5% is an A, 92.5%-90% is an A-, 90%-87.5% is a B+, 87.5%-82.5% is a B, 82.5%-80% is a B-, 80%-77.5% is a C+,
77.5%-72.5% is a C, 72.5%-70% is a C-, 70%-67.5% is a D+, 67.5%-62.5% is a D, less than 62.5% is an E).
NOTE: D- is no longer an option!
Rock & Mineral Quiz
Homework & Attendance
Oral presentation
Exam I
Exam II
Exam III (somewhat comprehensive)
Labs
10%
9%
14%
14%
14%
14%
25%
Rock & Mineral Quiz
This quiz is based on hand specimen identification and will be given during lab time. The specimens are rocks that will be
covered during the first three labs. Students are responsible for both identifying each rock or mineral by name and discussing
the origin of the specimen. I will provide a list of rocks and minerals you will be responsible for.
Homework & Attendance
There will be a few assignments, the most prominent being 2 geologic scrapbooks. They require you to find pictures and
news-type stories related in some way to the topics we will cover this quarter. You will provide expanded background
geologic information on these as budding geologists. Instructions for these will be provided separately. Excessive absence
will be penalized.
Oral presentation
This is a presentation to the class on a topic of your choice. Depending on how many student we end up with and scheduling,
these may be done in pairs or solo- I’ll let you know by the 2nd week of classes. Expect to put in a good amount of time and
effort on this project. I will be monitoring your progress and I may require a meeting with me prior to your presentation.
This presentation is worth 14% of your final grade- MORE than each of the first 2 exams, so work HARD on this. If you
follow instructions and meet all deadlines for this project, you will do well on this presentation! You MUST present your
work to the class in order to pass this class; if you miss your presentation, you will NOT pass the course.
Exams
The exams will cover both lecture and reading material. Materials in the labs may appear on the exams but only if it is
information that is redundant with the lectures and reading. No make up exams will be given unless you discuss it with me
beforehand. Exams will include a variety of question formats such as diagrams, matching, true/false, the standard multiplechoice questions, fill-in-the-blank, and/or short answer. You may have to draw a picture or two.
Labs
The lab grade will be based on completed lab work. The exercises are designed to reinforce the content and concepts covered
in the lectures and reading.
CLASS POLICIES:
Assignments
Late work will have 20% of the score deducted per class until there is nothing left. No late work will be accepted if I have
already graded and returned the assignment to the rest of the class. Please understand that I must act on behalf of the
students in the class who complete their assignments on time.
Field trips
One extra credit field trip will be offered on a week-end day. Dress appropriately and wear sturdy shoes. Also bring notetaking materials. See the Course Materials booklet for more information about the field trip.
Withdrawals and Incompletes
October 3rd is the last day to drop this class with no grade reported. November14rd is the last day to withdraw from the course
with a grade of “W.” Under appropriate circumstances students may obtain an incomplete for the course. This option
requires that the student fulfill the remaining requirements within a designated amount of time.
Attendance
There is a high correlation between lecture attendance and course performance. If you do not regularly attend lecture it is
very unlikely that you will do well in the course. The opportunity for personal interaction with the instructor is invaluable.
In addition, poor attendance will affect the Homework/Attendance portion of your grade. Lab attendance is mandatoryattendance WILL be taken for class and labs. In order for you to receive credit for a lab you must attend. There are no
make-up labs. Because the labs are an integral part of the class, more than ONE UNEXCUSED, missed lab can result in
a failing grade for the entire course.
EXCESSIVE ABSENCE/LATENESS- As I state above, I will take attendance every class. If you are 10-35 minutes late,
or leave 10-35 minutes early, you will receive 1 attendance point. If you are more that 35 minutes late, leave more than 35
minutes early, or are absent, you will receive 2 attendance points. If you accumulate 10 attendance points (You have
essentially missed 25% of classes), your final grade drops by one letter. If you accumulate 12 or more attendance points, you
will receive a failing grade for the course. So….. don’t miss days unnecessarily, especially, near the beginning of the quarter,
as you may get sick or have an emergency at the end of the quarter that will put you over the limit.
Cheating
Cheating on an assignment or exam will result in zero credit for that item and appropriate action as outlined in the TCC
catalog. Plagiarism is likewise unacceptable. See the TCC Students Bill of Rights and Responsibilities for more information
about cheating and plagiarism.
Late material/missed quizzes or exams
To reiterate policies stated above, late materials are subject to 20% reduction in points per day it is late, and there are no
make-up quizzes or exams unless you contact me (phone, in person, or by email) before the original scheduled time of the
quiz or exam. If you contact me after the quiz or exam has already taken place you are ineligible for a make-up.
Students with Special Needs
All students are responsible for all requirements of the class, but the way they meet these requirements may vary. If you need
specific auxiliary aids or services due to a disability, please contact the Access Services office in Building 7 (253-566-5328).
They will require you to present formal, written documentation of your disability from an appropriate professional. When
this step has been completed, arrangements will be made for you to receive reasonable auxiliary aids or services. The
disability accommodation documentation prepared by Access Services must be given to me before the accommodation is
needed so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Accommodations for disabilities
Accommodations for physical disabilities will be made insofar as they are possible. The lecture and laboratory work will
take place in a classroom setting and should present no difficulties. One fieldtrip requires a long walk on a sand and gravel
beach. If you have a physical disability, please speak with the instructor before the course begins.
Classroom disputes
If you have questions or concerns about this class or me, please come to talk with me about your concerns. If we are unable
to resolve the issue the next step would be to talk to the Science and Engineering Department Chair.
CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR
I expect basic courtesy: no talking with neighbors, no leaving in the middle of lecture, punctual arrival to class and labs, and
cell phones turned off in class and lab. If a student persists in rude behavior, counter to what I outlined in the previous
sentence, I will take appropriate measures, dropping the student from the class if necessary.
CALENDAR:
The reading should be completed before we cover the topics in class. This way you are exposed to the information and ideas
twice and have the opportunity to iron out any difficulties. Although I expect the lectures to follow the calendar fairly closely
there will undoubtedly be times when we stray. It is up to you to make sure that you are keeping up on the appropriate
reading assignments. The labs will meet most weeks and will usually run over into the following class. Consult the calendar
for lecture and lab topics.
Week
1 3/30 & 4/1
2 4/6 & 4/8
3 4/13 & 4/15
4 4/20 & 4/22
5 4/27 & 4/29
6 5/4 & 5/6
7 5/11 & 5/13
8 5/18 & 5/20
9 5/25 & 5/27
10 6/1 & 6/3
11 6/8
Topic
Marshak Reading
Why study geology?
Ch. 1
Introduction to earth structure and plate tectonics Ch. 2 (skim)
Minerals
Ch. 3
Lab 1: Minerals (Wednesday)
Igneous Rocks
Interlude A & Ch. 4
Volcanoes
Ch. 5
Lab 2: Igneous Rocks
Weathering & Soils
Interlude B
Sedimentary Rocks
Ch. 6
Lab 3: Sedimentary Rocks
Sedimentary Rocks (cont.)
Interlude C
Metamorphic Rocks
Ch. 7
Lab 4: Metamorphic Rocks
Earthquakes
Ch. 8
Earth’s Interior
Interlude D
Start Plate Tectonics?
Ch. 2 (reread)
Rock & Mineral Quiz (Monday)
Review for Exam #1 (Monday)
Quake Web Page Homework Assigned (Wednesday)
Exam #1 (Wednesday)
Plate Tectonics
pp. 33-67 (reread)
Folding, Faulting, & Mountain Building
Ch. 9
SCRAPBOOK DUE (Monday)
Quake Web Page Homework DUE (Wednesday)
Lab 5: Earthquakes and Deformation (Wednesday)
Folding, etc. (cont.)
Start Geologic Time & Timescale
Ch. 10
Fault & Fold Identification Exercise (In class Monday- finish as homework- DUE Wednesday)
Lab 6: Plate Tectonics (Wednesday)
Finish Geologic Time & Timescale
Pacific NW Quake & Volcanic Hazards
Relative Dating Exercise (In class Monday)
Review for Exam #2 (Monday)
Exam #2 (Wednesday)
Streams
Ch. 14
Start Groundwater?
Ch. 16
MONDAY NO CLASS- Memorial Day
Oral Presentations (Wednesday)
Groundwater
Ch. 16
Lab 7: Groundwater Flow
Oral Presentations (Wednesday)
Glaciers & Ice Ages
Ch. 18
SCRAPBOOK DUE
Final Exam Review
FINAL EXAM- Wednesday, 6/10 at 6:00 in our classroom.
Course evaluation homework due when you come to the exam.